EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Biomedical Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$175,166/yr
Typical range: $155,377 – $186,466
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Biomedical Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Biomedical Engineer Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $88,852 | $7,404 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $107,892 | $8,991 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $120,585 | $10,049 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $136,579 | $11,382 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $175,166 | $14,597 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $205,630 | $17,136 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $213,246 | $17,771 | +140% |
Current Salary
$175,166
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $84/hr
Next Level Target
$205,630
Principal · 14
+$30Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Biomedical Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Biomedical Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $175K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Biomedical Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $175K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $84/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Biomedical Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Biomedical Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $155K–$186K/yr.